CLEARFIELD – The first public hearing for Community Development Block Grant funding for Clearfield Borough was held just prior to Thursday’s committee meeting.
Lisa Kovalick, community development specialist, informed council members that the borough is slated to receive about $112,565 this year and the borough needs to consider what this funding can be used for.
Currently, there is an income survey taking place in order to see about using funds from the 2016 allotment to replace the roof on the police station; however, getting responses for the survey has been difficult.
She also reviewed funding uses for recent years, including paving in East End with money from 2014-2016 and money from 2017-2018 has been earmarked for work on Stinky Run.
The money for Stinky Run must be used by May of 2021, but there have been ongoing delays from the state and council members agreed that it is time to be blunt with the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding the funding.
Kovalick said that they have discussed using the 2019 funding for public improvements and 70 percent needs to be used to benefit low-to-moderate income families. One project under consideration is flood control on Tyler Avenue. Kovalick also suggested work on one of the parks.
Peter Smith, representing the skate park, located near the fairgrounds, then spoke to the board regarding the park and a possible addition.
He said the park began in 2002 by President Judge Fredric Ammerman, Marven Smith and himself as an outlet for kids to find something to do, and it takes about $3,000 – $4,000 every year to keep it in good condition, and it is currently due for some rehabilitation and new equipment.
Now Smith said they are considering construction of a BMX Track. In addition to the skate park, it would give local kids another activity. The cost would be around $5,000 – $7,000.
It would not have to be located beside the skate park, Smith said, but anywhere they would be able to get some property. If they wanted to locate beside the skate park, they would need to get the Fair & Park Board on board with the plans.
Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott said when she has talked to kids in the area, a BMX park is one of the things they have suggested.
Kovalick said that a BMX park could be something they could put the CDBG money towards.
The second public hearing for CDBG funding will be held at the Nov. 14 committee meeting at 6:30 p.m.
